SSc tendon ultrasound
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To identify and characterise ultrasonographic findings in finger flexor and extensor tendons in systemic sclerosis.
IRAS ID
219188
Contact name
Ariane Herrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Finger contractures (clawing of the hand) are an important cause of disability in a number of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) otherwise called ’scleroderma’. However, little is known why patients develop finger contractures. Finger contractures have a significant impact on hand function and are associated with problems with the activities of daily living. In some patients, hand contractures can progress rapidly over months as opposed to years. \n\nPrevious studies using ultrasound and MR scans have shown that the joints and tendons can be inflammed. If inflammation is important in the development of finger contractors then this has potentially important treatment implications, which should be explored in future research.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0061
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion